
Written by Beth Tingle
Last updated March 2026
Read time: 5 minutes
With its dramatic fells, quiet valleys, shimmering lakes and miles of well-marked trails, the Lake District remains one of the UK’s best destinations for walkers of every level. Hiking here isn’t just about getting steps in either. Time on the trails can boost mood, improve sleep, reduce stress and reconnect you with the natural world in a way few other breaks can.
We’ve gathered six remote cabins set against incredible landscapes out in the sticks that make ideal bases for exploring the region on foot, with many great hikes starting at the doorstep, and each offering easy access to unforgettable walks and restorative time outdoors.
A Viking-inspired hideaway set between the Lakes and the Yorkshire Dales, Icelandic Turf House blends Nordic charm with proper walking access. Surrounded by open fell country and dark skies, it’s a cosy base for outdoor exploration, complete with a wood burner for toasting cold toes up after a day on the trails, a BBQ for re-fuelling and views towards the Howgill Fells.
Recommended hikes nearby:
Ash Fell (direct from the door)
A medium / moderate walk. Expect gentle upland walking with expansive views and very few crowds, making it a quieter alternative to the busy eastern side.
Wild Boar Fell (approx. 15 mins drive away)
A more challenging fell walk with waterfalls, limestone scenery and sweeping summit views. It has the 4th highest peak in the Yorkshire Dales with a summit of 708m (2323ft) with the Settle to Carslile Valley winding its way through the valley below.
Set near Little Salkeld in the Eden Valley, Edens Vale Lodge gives walkers easy access to both the Lake District fells and the Pennine hills. Quiet local trails wind through farmland and along the River Eden, perfect for slower exploration, while bigger mountain days are within easy driving reach. A private sauna offers a welcome warm-up after long, weather-flecked walks.
Recommended hikes nearby:
Overlooking Muncaster Fell with Scafell rising in the distance, Birkby Lodge places serious fell walking close at hand. The River Esk lies about 500 metres away for peaceful waterside strolls or post-hike dips, while the coast is just a short drive if you fancy sea-air walks too. Expect wildlife sightings, big skies and that satisfying post-hike calm when you return to a firepit dinner under the stars.
Recommended hikes nearby:
Set at Cornrow Farm near Loweswater, this cosy mountain cabin sits right in the heart of the Lakes, making it an excellent basecamp for adventurous walkers. Maps and local suggestions are provided to help you explore everything from lakeside ambles to longer fell day expeditions. Afterwards, the wood-fired hot tub becomes the perfect vantage point for watching weather roll across the valley.
Recommended hikes nearby:
Set within 11 acres of private land near Langwathby, Above the Woodshed combines secluded countryside with straightforward access to Ullswater and the surrounding fells. It’s an ideal base for walkers who want quieter evenings paired with classic Lakeland hiking days, plus insider tips from hosts who know the area exceptionally well.
Recommended hikes nearby:
On the wooded banks of the River Eamont, The Lodge balances peaceful estate walking with access to some of the Lake District’s most scenic hiking routes. Woodland, river views and open countryside surround the cabin, creating a calm base that still keeps iconic hikes within easy reach. Evenings in the hot tub or around the BBQ feel especially rewarding after a day on the fells.
Recommended hikes nearby:
Who we are
Here at Canopy & Stars we love staying in nature. Whether it is a cabin in the Lake District, a shepherd’s hut in Shropshire, a treehouse in Sweden or a Roundhouse in France. We inspect and select beautiful places to stay in amazing locations.
About us
Canopy & Stars is a small, independent travel company. We strive to make a positive impact in all we do whether that is supporting independent businesses, becoming a B-Corp, working with owners that are passionate about the land or only working with sustainable businesses.
Why book with Canopy & Stars
We love glamping; it’s as simple as that. We love waking up surrounded by nature, staying in unique places and meeting the people that create them. That’s why we inspect each and every place on the Canopy & Stars website. We want to make sure you’re going to love every space as much as we do.